Optical payloads are hosted on a range of spacecraft and reach orbit on a variety of launch vehicles. Traditionally, each payload imposes specific requirements on the mounts such as surface figure, thermal environment, and first dynamic mode. The product line of mounts described herein as the Common Optical Mount (COM) is designed to work for 80% of Lockheed Martin’s future space applications with no change to the design. Varying in diameter from 25mm to 300mm, each pre-qualified product line provides a different service needed while meeting general requirements and accommodating a wide range of unique optics (i.e. high precision alignment, large FOV systems, thick & heavy optics, lens, mirrors, beam splitters, diffraction gratings, etc.). Payload programs then leverage this qualified design and all the released piece part drawings. Additional requirements can be added to the base requirements for tailoring specific program needs. For example, the same mount product could be used to hold a fused silica beam splitter for a NASA mission in GEO orbit or a BK7 lens for a military customer in LEO orbit. Whether in a satellite constellation of a few large high-value exquisite systems or a prolificated LEO constellation of small satellites, the catalog of space qualified optical mounts serves to reduce cost, schedule, and risk for programs. COM helps deliver a payload that meets the customers future space architecture needs with improved capabilities at a fraction of the past costs.
Previously difficult or impossible shapes can now be placed on visible imaging optical surfaces using Narrow Ion Beam
Figuring (NIBF). This technique, unlike classical Ion Beam Figuring (IBF), does not substantially roughen the surface.
Furthermore, the method can be used to take optical surfaces to sub-nanometer surface errors and to sub-micron radian
slope errors. A specific set of applications uses NIBF surfaces at a reimaged pupil plane to impart special characteristics
on image creation. Such optics has steep local slope changes over only 1mm scale.
Advanced shapes can now be produced for the corrective optics placed near a reimaged pupil, or even a deformable
mirror surface. These surfaces can be improved and even apodization added to improve contrast. In this paper, we
describe a special form of Narrow Ion Beam Figuring (NIBF) developed at L-3 Tinsley. In contrast to existing Ion Beam
Figuring (IBF) machining schemes, the FWHM beam width is controlled in a much narrower band while still providing
high beam currents.
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